Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

You’ll adore Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows! This delightful dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a blend of brown sugar and butter, topped with fluffy mini vegan marshmallows. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a comforting side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Vegan-Friendly: With the use of vegan marshmallows, this recipe caters to plant-based diets without compromising on flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for holiday meals or as a comforting addition to any dinner table.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its gooey topping and sweet flavor, it’s sure to be a hit among both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, here are the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Pot for boiling
• Potato masher or immersion blender
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Essential for holding your casserole while it bakes, ensuring even cooking.
• Pot for boiling: Necessary for cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and easy to mash.
• Potato masher or immersion blender: These tools help achieve the perfect creamy texture in your sweet potato mixture.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• ¼ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten, room temp)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
• 2 cups miniature vegan marshmallows

How to Make Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 or 8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

• Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot of water until they are fork-tender; this usually takes about 15 minutes.
• Drain them well once cooked.

Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl (or in the same pot), mash the sweet potatoes using either a potato masher or an immersion blender until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients for Casserole

• Add brown sugar, milk, nutmeg, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Prepare for Baking

Add the lightly beaten eggs into the mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the casserole. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

Step 7: Add Vegan Marshmallows and Broil

After baking, remove from oven. Evenly dot the top with miniature vegan marshmallows. Return it to the oven for an additional 7-10 minutes until golden brown and toasted.

Step 8: Watch Closely!

If using a broiler setting to toast further, keep an eye on it closely. Vegan marshmallows can burn quickly!

Enjoy serving this delightful Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows at your next gathering!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows is a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this casserole adds a delightful sweetness to your table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• This casserole can shine on its own as a comforting side. Pair it with a green salad for balance.

With Roasted Chicken

• The savory flavors of roasted chicken create a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the casserole, making for an inviting meal.

Alongside Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables add texture and flavor, making them an excellent companion to the creamy sweet potato base.

Served with Turkey

• Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or any gathering, turkey and sweet potato casserole make a classic pairing that everyone loves.

Accompanied by Quinoa Salad

• A light quinoa salad brings freshness and protein, enhancing the overall nutrition of your meal while balancing the richness of the casserole.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

Getting your Sweet Potato Casserole just right can elevate its taste and texture. Here are some tips for perfecting this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes yield better flavor and texture compared to canned options.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like ginger or allspice for extra warmth and complexity.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding eggs; overmixing can result in a dense texture.
• Watch Closely While Broiling: When adding vegan marshmallows, keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly under high heat.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet Potato Casserole can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some fantastic options that complement the sweetness of the casserole beautifully.

1. Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds bring crunch and freshness.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide heartiness that balances out the sweetness.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts offer a bitter contrast that pairs well.
4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots echo the flavors of the casserole while adding vibrant color to your plate.
5. Herbed Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs brings subtle flavors that won’t overpower the main dish.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, creating a refreshing bite alongside the rich casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the peeling step: Not peeling sweet potatoes can result in a gritty texture. Always peel before cutting and cooking them for a smoother mash.
• Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Cooking them for too long can make them watery. Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes, for the best consistency.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the flavor balance. Use measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F for optimal results.
• Forgetting to watch the marshmallows: Vegan marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler setting. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows.

Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use other varieties like purple or Japanese sweet potatoes for different flavors and colors.

Is there a vegan substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water as a great alternative to bind your casserole without eggs.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Simply ensure that all your ingredients, especially sugar and plant-based milk, are labeled gluten-free.

What should I serve with Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole With vegan marshmallows?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, green salads, or any protein of your choice like turkey or chicken.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust sweetness and toppings based on your preferences. Try this recipe for a delightful side dish that will impress family and friends!